Doing business in Portugal

Doing business in Portugal

23rd August 2013

With a population of 10.6 million and a GDP of € 165.387 million (2012) Portugal has an important trading tradition and strong commercial links to the UK.

Portugal is currently the UK’s 15th largest export market in the EU and 42nd worldwide, with sales of goods and services of £1.3bn in 2012. Links between the two countries have always been strong and bilateral trade is worth around £3bn.

It presents unique business opportunities across different sectors, striving to keep up with its European partners and further develop its international trade. Portugal is also a starter-market to new exporters. There are a number of UK companies that choose Portugal for their first international experience, mainly driven by its openness, language skills, proximity and as good business partner for other parts of the world.

What are the opportunities?

The opportunities for business in Portugal are not just in Portugal itself, but also in the rest of Iberia, and potentially in Portuguese speaking markets such as Angola, Brazil and Mozambique.

Overseas Business Risk

Read our report giving more details of overseas business risk in relation to Portugal.

This covers:

Political and economic background

Bribery & corruption

Terrorism threat

Protective security advice

Intellectual property

Organised crime

Guide to doing business in Portugal

UKTI has produced a guide aimed at companies experienced in overseas trade who are new to doing business with Portugal. This guide aims to provide a route map of the way ahead, together with signposts to sources of help.